I have been reading up on the role of the YMCA [ and YWCA, at times ] in trying to either infiltrate or help -- depending on one's point of view -- the Russian Orthodox both in immediately pre-revolutionary Russia and in the early decades of Communist rule, as well as in the Russian Emigration in Europe, ranging elsewhere even as far as Harbin, Manchuria.
There were massive efforts to rally the Russian youth into Protestant-led YMCA groups and activities, while a YMCA Press which is apparently still functioning today churned books in both the orthography and the new soviet style of writing to reach Russian-speaking emigres of both time periods.
The YMCA's motives and behavior during these decades of upheaval is a complex subject, so I am starting the thread to which anyone can add views or information.
For the moment, I want to copy the Ukaz of "the Karlovtzi Synod Against the YMCA< YWCA and WSCF " [ the latter acronym means World Student Christian Federation ] as probably translated into English by American YMCA staff. Hence a few of the awkward spellings. Released on St Sergius' Day, the Ukaz [ I assume it is one, though the miffed YMCA terms it "Pronouncement" ] is a masterpiece of speaking out unpopular truth.
"Kingdom of SHS
Sremski Karlovtzi
5/18 July, 1926
Number 837
To the Bureau of the Conference of the Russian Christian Student Movement in Western Europe :
Having read the address of the Bureau of the Conference sent to the Holy Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church in Foreign Countries...the Council of Bishops resolved, June 17/30, No. 8 :
"To bless and accept for guidance and protection, all Orthodox student groups in the statutes of which the name 'Orthodox' is clearly and officially accepted, which organize their inner and outward life in full accord with the principles of the Holy Orthodox Church, and which have definite dependence on the guidance of the Orthodox clergy or of persons having the confidence of the latter, undertaking nothing without their blessing.
"Further, having listened to the report of the Most Reverend Archbishop Feofan regarding the American Association of Christian Young Men [YMCA], the Council of Bishops, after lengthy discussion and on the basis of former decisions, resolved :
- As regards the American interconfessional organization, the YMCA and YWCA and the World Student Christian Federation, to confirm the resolution of the Russian Church Council in Foreign Countries of 1921, convoked in Sremski Karlovtzi, (1) recognize those organizations as openly Masonic and anti-Christian, and therefore, (2) members of the Orthodox Church are forbidden to organize themselves into groups under the guidance of these or similar non-Orthodox organizations, or to be under their influence.
The Bureau of the Conference of the Russian Student Christian Movement in Western Europe is to be informed of this resolution.
Code: Select all
Secretary of the Synod Chancellery (Signed) E. Makharablidze
[ We wonder how a Georgian became Secretary of the Rocor Synod ?